Date of Award

2014

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

Through voting, a citizen allows their voice be heard on what matters most to them and who they want to represent and defend those priorities. It also provides an avenue for an individual to be directly involved with American democracy at its core. This is even more relevant at the local level, where citizens influence the quality of life within their own community. This includes how funds should be spent, where parks should be placed, and what style of housing should be built. Without votes, there is not adequate representation of the diversity within a community. Often criticized for being cumbersome, voting methods have been studied and evaluated. More specifically, this study compares a traditional election to all-mail ballot elections. Although Santa Clara is thought to have higher than average participation rates among neighboring cities for local elections, an evaluation of whether or not conducting an all-mail ballot election could further increase voter engagement and, in turn voter participation, was analyzed. In tandem, other aspects of the voting process were evaluated such as processes, efficiencies, and potential cost savings. Relevant literature review and interviews with elections officials for cities within the County of Santa Clara, the County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters, the Mayor of the City of Santa Clara, and election officials throughout the state of Oregon (where only vote-by-mail elections are held) were conducted regarding election process. Additionally, General Election results for the span of 10 years (five election cycles) were collected from the County of Santa Clara. The data is differentiated between votes cast at a polling location and those submitted by vote-by-mail and will be analyzed to see what, if any, trends can be concluded based on participation and the method used to cast votes. Analysis was conducted to also identify whether communities are able Election Options for Voters and willing to vote by an all-mail ballot election, what potential cost savings could be realized, what enhancements could be made with ballot authenticity and security, and other differences in administering both election methodologies.

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